Charles Town is the county seat of Jefferson County. It was founded by Charles Washington, the younger brother of George Washington. In 1780, Washington’s home of Happy Retreat was built and, six years later, the first of Charles Town’s streets were laid out on his property. Today, Happy Retreat still stands, meticulously safeguarded by the non-profit Friends of Happy Retreat, Inc. as a national treasure.

Nearly 4,000 residents call Charles Town home. The town is especially popular among business professionals, who relocate here and commute to the many job opportunities of nearby Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland; both Routes 9 and 7 and the Dulles Toll Road are easily accessible, as is 1-270, a major Maryland thoroughfare. Many families also relocate here, lured by the area’s natural beauty, ample recreational opportunities, and the town’s two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.